The main goal of this paper is to suggest a combination of data analyses -- notably generalized additive models, time-series clustering methodology, visual methods for significance testing and qualitative analyses -- that relate to Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST). To this end, we report on findings from a larger project conducted in a…

This article emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and considering teachers' funds of knowledge in the domain of language teacher learning. The study explores the concept of funds of knowledge in teacher learning by collecting data from a group of language teachers through written life stories, focus interviews, and individual interviews. The…

Learning a second language (L2) is dependent upon numerous external and internal factors, among which motivation plays a relevant role. In fact, motivation has been recognized as crucial in the L2 learning process (Ushioda, 2012). Such has been its importance that interest in L2 motivation has led to the development of theories such as the L2…

Following Richards's (2015) ideas of using movie clips, videos, and games as valuable technological tools for language learning, the present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of using novel extracts and computer game cutscenes based on the same story to develop the vocabulary knowledge of English as a foreign language (EFL)…

Teachers are constantly involved in the act of decision-making in every moment of the classroom. These decisions are underpinned by pedagogical reasoning, which entails situated knowledge about particular teaching episodes and is reconstructed through teaching practice. The present case study sought to explore the pedagogical reasoning skills that…

The potential benefit of employing a flipped learning approach, where learners are presented with the content preceding the class time, is to make a shift from traditional teacher-centered learning environments to more learner- and learning-centered ones. As this content delivery should be short, small, fine, and powerful, 'microlearning' as a new…

There is a dearth of research on hope in studies of second or foreign (L2) language learning. Therefore, the present research contributes conceptually to a deep understanding of hope for learning English as a foreign language and the ways it may be developed. To do so, an exploratory mixed-methods design was employed. Using in-depth interviews,…

Needs analysis is regarded as an essential step for developing a curriculum for English for specific purpose courses. Assessing learners' present and real-life language needs can contribute to learners' active participation in learning processes. This study aimed to assess English geared law learners' needs and to analyze the pedagogical tasks in…

Brainstorming, as a pre-writing activity, facilitates the process of generating ideas and helps organize learners' thoughts to get involved in writing activities. The present convergent mixed methods study investigated whether the integration of technology and brainstorming could affect the argumentative writing of EFL learners. Initially, 68…

Placing young learners at the center of the teaching attention and learning process is considered to be of high importance in the teachers' attempt to help them be motivated to participate in the learning activities (Holderness, 1991, p.19). Towards that goal, young learners' characteristics such as imagination, creativity, curiosity and love for…

From the perspective of Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory and Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), dynamic assessment (DA) highlights the role of mediation in the learning process by unveiling the distance between actual learning proficiency and potential learning development. DA is more helpful in fostering students' ability to solve problems…